On April 21st, MyCity Academy participants visited the Recycling Center and Omohundro Water Treatment Plant. They heard from Metro Beautification and Environment Commissions, Waste Management Recycle America, and Metro Water Services representatives. Participants learned how to use the services and how to resolve reliability and quality issues by contacting the corresponding government department.

At their May meeting, members met at Sevier Park Community Center and heard from several departments including Metro Parks and Recreation, Metro Transit Authority, and Metro Social Services. Participants learned about topics ranging from where to join a community water aerobics class, to Nashville demographic statistics, and which routes to Nashville are most congested during rush hour.

For the June program, the MyCity class met in the Metro Council Chambers where they heard from the Metro Clerk’s Office, Metro Council members, Metro Election Commission, Davidson County District Attorney’s Office, Metro Public Defender’s Office, and Metro Legal Department. Participants even heard from Juvenile Court Judge, Sheila Calloway and Mayor Barry’s Senior Advisor, Claudia Huskey. Participants enjoyed participating in a mock council meeting and learning how the Metro budget is passed.

Overall, the Spring programs of MyCity Academy were very successful in educating participants on the many services Metro government departments have to offer. Next month, they will hear from the Metro Police and Fire Departments.

The Mayor’s Office of New Americans is excited about a new immigrant and refugee research initiative, Gateways for Growth, lead in partnership with the Oasis Center. Seven high school immigrant integration fellows were chosen to embark on a summer research project to assist the Mayor’s Office of New Americans in policy planning for the coming years.  Following extensive training, the fellows will interview over 200 Metro immigrants and refugees and analyze their results in order to create a comprehensive list of recommendations for the Mayor’s Office of New Americans to review for enactment regarding immigrant and refugee community concerns.

Join us in celebrating our nation's Independence Day in Nashville. Performers including Sheryl Crow and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra will be a great soundtrack for our celebrations downtown Join the festivities throughout the day, and enjoy our fabulous fireworks at night!

The Senior Nutrition Program sponsors free healthy meals to eligible seniors and disabled persons at four locations: Cohn Adult Leaning Center, East Park Community Center, Elizabeth Community Center, and Hadley Community Center. In addition to the healthy meals, the program also hosts fun activities, fitness, and fellowship. Meal sites are open Monday through Friday, 4.5 hours a day. For more information, call (615) 880-2292.

Mark your calendars; The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and National Partnership for New Americans are proud to announce Nashville will be hosting the 2016 National Immigrant Integration Conference from December 11th to13th.

Enjoy art, education, and food at one of Nashville's most popular sites. The Frist Center is Nashville's magnet for the expanding visual arts. It offers free admission for ages 18 and below, and college students with school IDs receive free admittance after 5 pm on Thursday and Friday nights.